Safety coverlock for book match packages and the like



SAFETY COVERLOCK FOR BOOK MATCH PACKAGES AND THE LIKE Filed May 7, 1962 T. WILL Dec. 10, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. THEODORE WILL T. WILL Dec. 10, 1963 3,113,666 SAFETY COVERLOCK FOR BOOK MATCH PACKAGES AND THE LIKE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 7, 1962 R 0. L m L V w .E R O D O E H T Dec. 10, 1963 3,113,666

SAFETY COVERLOCK FOR BOOK MATCE PACKAGES AND THE LIKE T. WILL 4 Sheets-Sheet 3' Filed May 7, 1962 Jr; 527A INVENTOR THEODORE WILL Dec. 10, 1963 T. WILL 3,113,

SAFETY COVERLOCK FOR BOOK MATCH PACKAGES AND THE LIKE Filed May 7, 1962 4 sneets' sneet 4 5i INVENTOR.

THEODORE WILL A TTO/PA EV United States Patent 3,113,666 SAFETY CDVERLOCK FOR 800K MATCH PACKAGES AND THE LiKE Theodore Will, Syosset, N.Y., assign'or to Fund-Del Inca, Syosset, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed May 7, 1962, Ser. No. 132,635 3 Claims. (Cl. 2tl62.9)

This invention relates to a safety cover and seal for books of safety matches and similar packages that is adapted to be re-used, and this application is a continuationin-part of my copending application Serial Number 862,- 008, filed December 24, 1959, now Patent No. 3,033,361.

According to the invention, there is provided an enclosure for a tapered or wedge-shaped package or book of matches. The enclosure is formed from a properly folded blank of paper, metal foil, plastic material, or other suitable sheet material. The enclosure may be provided with a tear strip for opening the enclosure lengthwise at its center or to one side of the center and also for opening one end of the enclosure. The tear strip may be so located that when the enclosure is opened there will be provided a tapered receptacle with opened side or top for reinserting the book of matches for re-use. This receptacle can be used to hold the match book in closed condition or as a cover lock and can even serve as a protective cover for the matches in the absence of the regular cover, and after being opened can be re-used.

It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide a removable, sealed and safety enclosure for a package of book matches that is adapted to be re-used.

Another object of the invention is to provide an enclosure for a book of matches, said enclosure being provided with a tear strip to facilitate opening of the enclosure.

A further object of the invention is to provide an enclosure for a book of matches, said enclosure having a tear strip so located that the opened closure can serve as a reusable protective cover for the book of matches.

Yet another object is to provide a novel blank for forming an enclosure or cover for a book of matches.

It is also an object to provide an enclosure for a package of book matches that is fully sealed, weathertight, adapted to keep the match striking surface dry and fresh and is reasonably childproof.

It is also an object to provide an enclosure for a package of book matches that keeps the match pack safe from likelihood of accidental ignition of the matches prior to use.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective View of an enclosure made in accordance with one form of the invention, with a book of matches therein.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a blank from which the enclosure of FIG. 1 was formed.

FIG. 4 is a similar view but showing a book of matches superposed on the blank in position for enfolding thereby.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 55 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view showing the enclosure of FIG. 1 cut down the middle, with the halves spaced apart.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an enclosure with 3,113,666 Patented Dec. 10, 1963 a book of matches therein embodying a modified form of the invention as seen from the left-hand side.

FIG. 8 is a similar view as seen from the right-hand side.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the enclosure showing one side torn off, exposing the book of matches there- In.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the enclosure showing one side torn off and showing a book of matches in position preparatory to reinsertion into the enclosure for re-use of the enclosure.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an enclosure with a book of matches therein embodying another modified form of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a rear view thereof.

FIG. 14 is a rear View showing one side of the enclosure torn and separated exposing a book of matches therein, preparatory to removal from the enclosure.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of an enclosure with a book of matches therein embodying a further modified [form of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a similar view of the top of the enclosure showing its top end opened and hinged rearwardly, the book of matches being present, parts being shown broken away.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of an enclosure with a book of matches therein embodying a still further modified form of the invention as seen from the right.

FIG. 18 is a similar view as seen from the left.

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view thereof showing the top torn off and swung rearwardly.

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of an enclosure with a book of matches therein embodying yet another modified form of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 22A is a perspective View of the top end of the enclosure of FIG. 21 after the top has been torn off.

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of an enclosure with a book of matches therein, embodying a still further modified form of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of an enclosure with a book of matches therein embodying yet another modified form of the invention.

FIG. 2.6 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 27 is a front elevational view of the book of matches wrapped in the enclosure of FIGS. 25 and 26'.

FIG. 28 is a vertical sectional View taken on the line 28-28 of FIG. 27.

v FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of an enclosure with a'book of matches therein embodying a still further moditied form of the invention.

FIG. 30 is a front elevational view thereof.

Referring in detail to the drawings, in FIG. 1 an enclosure for a book of matches is shown and designated generally by the reference numeral 10. In FIG. 3, the blank 12 from which the enclosure 10 was made is shown. The blank may be made of paper, metal foil, plastic material or any other suitable sheet material, which blank may be die cut. The blank is generally rectangular in shape and along one long edge 23 thereof there is a coating of adhesive 26 on the surface thereof. A strip 28 of adhesive is applied on the same surface along a short edge 29 of the blank. On the opposite surface of the blank, there are rectangular patches 30, 30 of adhesive extending perpendicularly to strip 28. Longitudinal fold lines 32, 33 and transverse fold lines 36 and 38 define a central panel 42 and side'panels 43 and 45. When the blank is folded along the lines 32, 33, 36, 38, it forms the enclosure for a tapered or wedge-shaped book of matches or match book folder 40 shown superimposed on the blank on the panel 42, in FIG. 4. The book of matches is formed of a unitary elongated strip of flexible material forming a front cover panel or wall 34, a back cover panel or .wall 37 connected by a top cover panel or wall 39, said back cover panel having an upwardly projecting flap 41 With a striking element 49 for the matches along the outer surface of the flap, said flexible panel forming a complete closure for the matches. Triangular spots of adhesive are also applied to the reverse surface of the blank at the corners of the panel 42.

In FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the blank .12 is shown folded around the book of matches completely enclosing the book of matches and forming the enclosure 10 therefor. The body of the enclosure assumes the tapered shape of the book of matches. Panel 43 of the blank overlies panel and is secured thereto by adhesive strip 28. The center of the long edge 23 of the blank is folded along line 33 and the corners 35 folded thereover and the folded portion overlies the top of the match book and is secured thereto by the adhesive coating 26 and the adhesive on corners 35.

The bottom longitudinal line 32 and the bottom long edge 37 of the blank define narrow rectangular panels 47 and 49 below panels 43 and 45, respectively, and a narrow rectangular panel 48 below center panel 42. The narrow panels 47, 48, 49 are overlayed to form the lower end of the enclosure, and this lower end is folded up and the corners thereof inturned. The folded lower ends are secured in upturned condition by the adhesive strips 30, 30 and the adhesive spots 35.

Positive securing and sealing of the panels are accomplished by gluing, crimping of the material, by heat-sealing or in any combination of such processes, and the ends may be flared, turned under or over or such ends may be diamond-folded.

Furthermore, the folding and sealing may be at the sides, and top of the enclosure, instead of at the top and bottom, or on any three panels or walls to effect a sealed reuseable safety enclosure.

In accordance with the present invention, a thin plastic strip 54 is secured to the inner surface of the blank, extending from long edge 23 to long edge 37 of the blank. One end of the strip extends beyond end edge 23 forming a finger piece 55 for tearing the strip. When the blank is folded around the match book 40 along the fold lines, an enclosure 10 is provided as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the finger piece 55 exposed and free to grasp for tearing the enclosure down the center of the front wall thus separating the portion of the front, top and bottom walls on one side of the strip from the portions on the other side of the strip. The back wall is imperforate serving as a hinge whereby the cut section outwardly of the tear strip can be swung backwardly away from the body of the enclosure so that the book of matches may be readily removed. The book of matches can readily be inserted into one of the separated halves and then the other half placed in position over the inserted book for re-use of the enclosure.

In FIGS. 7 to 11, inclusive, a modified form of enclosure 10' is shown. The enclosure 10' is similar to the enclosure 10 of FIG. 1 except that the tearing strip 54' is moved to one side of the enclosure, the left-hand side as seen in FIG. 7, instead of being positioned at the center. The tear strip extends around the top and bottom walls 66' and 68' and front wall 70 and rear wall 72 so that upon tearing the strip off of the wrapper the portion of the enclosure outwardly of the strip is separated and may be removed and the book of matches 40 exposed. Inasmuch as the enclosure tapers from top to bottom, the top of the enclosure is wider than the bottom so that the book of matches may readily be removed from the enclosure and just as readily reinserted as shown in FIG. .11 and the enclosure re-used for protecting the book of matches.

The blank from which enclosure 10' is formed is turned upon itself and overlapped at the top and the top overlapping portions sealed by adhesive as indicated at 73. The long side edges of the blank are overlapped forming flaps sealed together as indicated at 74.

In FIGS. 12 to 14, inclusive, an enclosure 10 embodying another modified form of the invention is shown. The enclosure 10" is similar to the enclosure 10 of FIG. 1 except that the tearing strip 54 is moved to one side of the enclosure, the left-hand side as seen in FIG. 12, instead of being positioned at the center. Furthermore, in this form of enclosure the tearing strip 54" extends only on the top wall 66", bottom wall 68" and front wall 70 of the enclosure 10', leaving the rear Wall 72 unperforated. The blank is sealed by gluing the top flap 71 in place, by gluing the panel 48 in place and by gluing the overlapping edge 29 in place.

By reason of this construction, the rear wall 72 serves as a hinge along hinge line 73 whereby the cut section 75 outwardly of the tearing strip 54" can be swung backwar-dly away from the body of the enclosure so that the book of matches 40" may be readily removed. The cut section 75 is sufficiently flexible to permit the book of matches to be reinserted and the enclosure used over again.

In all other respects, the enclosure 10" is similar to enclosure 10 and similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

An enclosure 10 embodying another modified form of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. Enclosure 10' differs from the enclosure 10 in that the tearing strip 54' extends across the top of the front wall 70" and side walls 76 and 78 of the enclosure, the rear wall 72" being unperforated and serving as a hinge along line 73" whereby the cut top 80 of the enclosure may be swung rearwardly away from the body of the enclosure as shown in FIG. 16 to permit ready removal of the book of matches 40".

In this form of enclosure, the blank is turned upon itself and overlapped at the top and the overlapped top ends sealed by adhesive as indicated at 77. The long side edges of the blank are overlapped and sealed by adhesive as indicated at 79.

After use, the book of matches can be reinserted into the enclosure and the top 80 swung to closed position in order to use the enclosure over again as a safety device.

The modified form of enclosure 10 shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, inclusive, differs from the form of enclosure 10" shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 in the arrangement of sealing the blank around the book of matches 40. In onclosure 10, the blank is folded transversely over the top and bottom ends at 88 of the book of matches 40 with the ends of the blank overlapping 86 and sealed with adhesive as indicated at 90, and with the long side edges of the blank overlapped and sealed at the sides as indicated at 92.

The book of matches can readily be removed from the enclosure when the cut top 80 of the enclosure is swung away from the body of the enclosure and because of the tapered formation of the enclosure the book of matches may readily be reinserted after use and the top 80 swung back to protective position over the top of the matches so that the enclosure may be re-used.

Another modified form of enclosure 10* is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. This form of enclosure 10 is similar to enclosure 10 shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, inclusive, except for the manner of sealing the blank forming the enclosure 10 and the arrangement of the strip 54*. The blank is overlapped longitudinally over the book of matches and the longitudinal edges overlapped at the top and sealed by glue as indicated at 94, and overlapped at the bottom and turned upwardly and the upturned portion sealed to the body of the enclosure as indicated at 96. The short side edges of the blank are overlapped at one side and sealed by glue as indicated at 98.

The tear strip 54 encircles the enclosure extending across the front and back walls 70 and 72 at the top thereof and across the side walls 76 and 78 at the tops thereof. When the tear strip 54 is torn the top of the enclosure is removed leaving the top T of the enclosure open as indicated at T as best seen in FIG. 22A. The book of matches can readily be removed from the enclosure through the top thereof and after use the book of matches can readily be reinserted into the enclosure and the torn away top replaced for re-use of the enclosure.

In FIGS. 23 and 24, another modified form of enclosure is illustrated. This enclosure 10* is similar to the enclosure 10' shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, inclusive, except that the blank which forms the enclosure is folded and sealed in a different manner. In the enclosure 115 the blank is folded transversely over the book of matches with the short sides overlapped at the rear and sealed by glue as indicated at 99. The long edges of the blank are folded over in overlapping relationship at the sides of the enclosure and sealed by glue as indicated at 159.

The strip 54 is situated similarly to the strip 54' of FIG. 7 and the enclosure is opened in a similar manner, and the book of matches may be reinserted into the enclosure after use and the enclosure used over again.

The modified form of enclosure 19 shown in FIGS. 25 to 28, inclusive, differs from the form of enclosure 10' shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, inclusive, merely in that the side walls taper downwardly and outwardly conforming to the shape of the wrapped book of matches 40. The book of matches 40* is die cut and irregular in shape in that the front panel 34 tapers downwardly and inwardly, the rear panel 37 being straight. The front tapers from approximately to /s" thick. Furthermore, the bottom of the book of matches 40 as viewed in FIG. 27 is wider at the bottom than at the top, the sides tapering downwardly and outwardly, the book being approximately 1% wide at the top and 2" wide at the bottom. The taper at the sides equals the taper on the front panel 34*.

By reason of the widening of the book of matches at the bottom and the conforming of the enclosure to the shape of the book of matches, any excess of wrapping paper material caused by the downwardly and inwardly tapering of the front panel of the book of matches is taken up by the wider dimension of the bottom of the book of matches so that a neat tight enclosure wrapper results.

In all other respects, the enclosure 1% is similar to the enclosure 10 and similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

The match book folder 10 may be die cast in various shapes. FIG. 25 illustrates a match book folder 40 narrower in width at the top and wider in width at the bottom, said widening being approximately the amount of taper from the top to the bottom of the match pack for use with enclosures having tear strips completely encircling the match book folder and for use with enclosures having tear strips extending along only three adjacent panels or walls of the match book folder.

In the modified form of enclosure 10* shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the enclosure is shaped and sealed similarly to the enclosure 10" of FIGS. 12-14 to wrap a book of matches shaped and constructed similarly to the book of matches 40. However, the separating strip 54" is arranged similarly to the strip 54 shown in the form of enclosure 10" shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, inclusive, that is, the strip extends longitudinally only along the front, top and bottom walls, the rear wall being imperforate and serving as a hinge.

While I have illusrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and that various changes and modifications may the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

l. A sealed re-usable safety coverlock enclosure for a tapered book of matches comprising a hollow wraparound body of thin sheet material, said sealed body having a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls, three of said walls constituting sealed flaps, the

front wall tapering downwardly and inwardly, said bottom wall being narrower than said top wall, a thin tear strip of flexible material having a free end extending outwardly from behind one of said sealed flaps, said tear strip extending lengthwise about said sealed body adjacent the side thereof and in a plane parallel thereto completely enclosing said match book folder for separating the portion of the body of the sealed safety enclosure on the one side of the strip, from that portion on the other side of the strip, the separated portion on the other side being wider at the top than the bottom end for ready removal of the enclosed tapered book of matches therefrom and for reuse of the enclosure by reinserting the book of matches therein.

2. In combination, a match book folder and a sealed safety enclosure therefor, said match book folder comprising a wedge-shaped book of matches including a unitary elongated strip of flexible material forming a front cover panel, a back cover panel connected by a top cover panel, said back cover panel having an upwardly projecting flap, a striking element for the matches along the outer surface of said flap, the front cover panel being of less length than the back cover panel and being adapted to be tucked removably behind said flap, said flexible panel forming a complete closure for the matches, a sealed re-usable safety coverlock enclosure for said book of matches comprising a hollow wraparound body of thin sheet material, said sealed body having a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, side Walls, three of said walls constituting sealed flaps, the front wall tapering downwardly and inwardly, said bottom wa-ll being narrower than said top wall, a thin tear strip of flexible material having a free end extending outwardly from behind one of said sealed flaps, said tear strip extending lengthwise about said sealed body adjacent the side thereof and in a plane parallel thereto completely enclosing said match book folder for separating the portion of the body of the sealed safety enclosure on the one side of the strip, from that portion on the other side of the strip, the separated portion on the other side being wider at the top than at the bottom end for ready removal of the enclosed tapered book of matches therefrom and for re-use of the enclosure by reinsertlng the book of matches therein.

3. 'In combination, a match book folder and a sealed safety enclosure therefor, said match book folder comprising a wedge-shaped book of matches including a unitary elongated strip of flexible material forming a front cover panel, said front cover panel tapering downwardly and inwardly, a back cover panel connected to the front cover panel by a top cover panel, said back cover panel having an upwardly projecting flap, the side edges of said front and back panels tapering downwardly and outwardly whereby the bottom of the book folder is wider than the top thereof, a striking element for the matches, along the outer surface of said flap, the front cover panel being of less length than the back cover panel and being adapted to be tucked removably behind said flap, said flexible panel forming a complete closure for the matches, a sealed re-usable safety cover-lock enclosure for said book of matches comprising a hollow wraparound body of thin sheet material, said sealed body having a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls, three of said walls constituting sealed flaps, the front wall tapering downwardly and inwardly, the side walls taper- :ing downwardly and outwardly, said bottom wall being narrower than said top wall, a thin tear strip of flexible material having a free end extending outwardly from behind one of said sealed flaps, said tear strip extending lengthwise about said sea-led body adjacent the side thereof and in a plane parallel thereto completely enclosing said match book folder for separating the portion of the body of the sealed safety enclosure on the one side of the strip from that portion on the other side of the strip, the separated portion on the other side being Wider at the top than at the bottom end for ready removal of the enclosed tapered book of matches therefrom and for re-use of the enclosure by reinserting the book of matches therein.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,729,213 Ford Sept. 24, 1929 1,993,845 Ketcham Mar. 12, 1935 2,002,571 Far-relly May 28, 1935 2,518,885 Hagen Aug. 15, 1950 2,556,817 McKenzie June 12, 1951 2,878,929 Leupold Mar. 24, 1959 3,033,361 Will May 8, 1962 

1. A SEALED RE-USABLE SAFETY COVERLOCK ENCLOSURE FOR A TAPERED BOOK OF MATCHES COMPRISING A HOLLOW WRAPAROUND BODY OF THIN SHEET MATERIAL, SAID SEALED BODY HAVING A FRONT WALL, A BACK WALL, A TOP WALL, A BOTTOM WALL, SIDE WALLS, THREE OF SAID WALLS CONSTITUTING SEALED FLAPS, THE FRONT WALL TAPERING DOWNWARDLY AND INWARDLY, SAID BOTTOM WALL BEING NARROWER THAN SAID TOP WALL, A THIN TEAR STRIP OF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL HAVING A FREE END EXTENDING OUTWARDLY FROM BEHIND ONE OF SAID SEALED FLAPS, SAID TEAR STRIP EXTENDING LENGTHWISE ABOUT SAID SEALED BODY ADJACENT THE SIDE THEREOF AND IN A PLANE PARALLEL THERETO COMPLETELY ENCLOSING SAID MATCH BOOK FOLDER FOR SEPARATING THE PORTION OF THE BODY OF THE SEALED SAFETY ENCLOSURE ON THE ONE SIDE OF THE STRIP, FROM THAT PORTION ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STRIP, THE SEPARATED PORTION ON THE OTHER SIDE BEING WIDER AT THE TOP THAN THE BOTTOM END FOR READY REMOVAL OF THE ENCLOSED TAPERED BOOK OF MATCHES THEREFROM AND FOR RE-USE OF THE ENCLOSURE BY REINSERTING THE BOOK OF MATCHES THEREIN. 